Funding for splash pad project in Omemee not supported by staff
‘It’s not just as simple as putting in a splash pad and we’re good,’ council told
A splash pad is a great place to go on a hot summer day, but it’s unlikely council — and Kawartha Lakes taxpayers — are willing to foot the bill.
Despite the cost, Ward 6 Coun. Ron Ashmore believes such a facility would be a valuable asset for Omemee. He noted a number of groups have already established ideas for fundraising.
Ashmore also pointed out the splash pad would attract residents outside the village, not to mention tourists, for a potential draw of roughly 5,000 users per summer .
Council has already committed $100,000 toward a servicing study and design for a proposed splash pad to be located at the village’s beach park.
Community services director Craig Shanks shared details of the feasibility review during Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting.
The information did not garner a positive reception from either council or members of the public who attended a public information session on March 19.
The capital cost for the installation of a splash pad in Omemee would range from $795,000 to $1,035,000.
Annual operational costs for such an amenity would be upwards of $50,000 — including staffing for ongoing water treatment — over the course of a four-month operational season.
One of the biggest hurdles — outside of the cost — is the key component: water. Shanks noted there are only two viable options: using a well, or pulling water from the Pigeon River (a.k.a. the Mill Pond). Unlike facilities in Lindsay, Fenelon Falls and Bobcaygeon, Omemee does not have a municipal water supply.
Health codes that govern pools and splash pads require a potable water source. As such, water must be delivered at a drinkable level. Treatment would be required for the first two options noted above.
There is also the added concern, said Shanks, the very rationale for the facility — hot summer days — could create health hazards.
For many years, the Omemee beach was deemed unsafe for use via water tests by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit. The same scenario could apply at the splash pad.
An added issue is the Pigeon River is considered a provincially significant wetland. Permission to draw this water would be required from several agencies.
“We recognize that there is support and desire to do something with the Omemee Beach Park,” said Shanks.
“But it’s not just as simple as putting in a splash pad and we’re good. The property does require upgrades and improvements.”
These, he said, would cost roughly $250,000. Shanks suggested, based on comments made at the meeting, funds could be used for general enhancements to the beach and park, such as furniture and amenities, landscaping, upgrading the parking lot and construction of pathways within the park.
Staff estimate the cost for such a project would be approximately $500,000 and could be included in the 2025 capital budget.
The matter has been forwarded to council’s April 30 regular meeting for further consideration.